Wednesday, 7 March 2012

10 Foods for Fabulous Abs

1. Yogurt is magic for the tum. Nutritionist Rania
Batayneh recommends yogurt, “The probiotic bacteria in most yogurts
help keep your digestive system healthy, which translates into a
lower incidence of gas, bloating, and constipation, which can keep
your tummy looking flat." Ideally go for the plain-flavoured
yogurts, that don’t contain added
sugars.

2. Switch to whole grain. The body shows a decreased
insulin response to whole grain as compared to refined carbohydrate
like rice and white bread. So replace those meals of white rice and
milk bread with whole grains like lentils, brown rice, and whole
wheat bread for a trimmer waistline.

3. Stock up on cruciferous veggies like broccoli,
brussels sprouts, asparagus, peppers, and yellow beans. They contain
folate, beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, and fiber, and are rich
in vitamins A, C, and K.

4. Olive Oil: Mono-unsaturated fats like those found
in olive oil, work to reduce belly fat and don’t increase calorie
intake.

5. Apple cider vinegar: New research indicates that
2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar (ideally mixed with a glass of
water), consumed daily over a period of 12 weeks, works to lower
body weight and reduce belly fat. This is attributed to vinegar's
acetic acid, which is believed to pump out proteins that break down
fat.

6. Green tea contains certain chemicals called
polyphenols and catechins that boost metabolism and help burn fat.
Including 2-3 cups of green tea in your diet will help reduce that
waistline, as well as provide a host of other health
benefits.

7. Apples are one of the most popular negative
calorie foods. This means that an apple burns more calories that it
adds to the body, while being digested, making for a great, tasty
snack that does nothing to add to body
fat.

8. Eggs are a great source of protein and contain
essential amino acids that the body needs to build everything from
muscle fibres to brain chemicals. It is the perfect breakfast food,
and ensures you feel less hungry during the day and reduces that
urge to snack.

9. Almonds provide the body with minerals like
magnesium, and regulate blood sugar levels. A stable blood sugar
level is key to prevent cravings that can lead to
overeating.

10. Salmon, tuna and mackerel, in addition to being
a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, also improve metabolism and
help burn fat faster by improving the body’s glucose-insulin
response